Friday, July 22, 2011

Simple Pleasures -The Marmelade Gypsy Blog

The demands of special needs parenting often define a parent's day, and his/her life. That's why I encourage parents to take time to balance out their lives and add some normalcy to what can sometimes feel like a pretty unnatural life. You can do this through exercise, having coffee with a friend, listening to music that makes you dance, going to the movies or out to eat, or catching your favorite reality show (mindless escape), etc.

Another option is to follow an uplifting blog, one that isn't just about special needs. There's no shortage of them online. The Marmelade Gypsy is a popular blog by a good friend of mine that attracts readers from all over the world, and yes, it's pretty much a chick site. Jeanie is great at providing photos and commentary about a variety of life moments, including those involving art and travel. What she shares there can help you escape your demands for a few moments, which may allow you to return to the reality of your parenting challenges a bit less stressed, and more balanced. Think armchair travel.

Although it may not feel like it, there is life beyond special needs. You just have to take time to explore the options, and you can always start your own blog.

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Judy Winter

My Book

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About Me

As an author, consultant, speaker, and award-winning journalist on special needs, I have the honor of creating greater awareness of the value and potential of millions of children and young adults with special needs worldwide. It’s work about which I am passionate. My book, 'Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations' (Jossey-Bass/Wiley, March 2006), is dedicated to my terrific son, Eric Richard Winter, who had cerebral palsy and passed away in 2003 at age 12. Eric was much more than just a disabled child, and now I'm sharing his lessons about ability with the world. I help adults see children with special needs through new eyes and challenge them to work harder to help this population reach their full potential. You can find out more about 'Breakthrough Parenting,' and my amazing son, by visiting my website: www.JudyWinter.com. There, you will learn how you can help me raise the bar of expectations for millions of children with special needs— one child at a time. It’s one deserving— and very cool cause!